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Mahmood K, Hassan M, Channa AA, Ghafoor A, Riaz A. Comparative analysis of breeding patterns and reproductive efficiency of mares in subtropical conditions of Pakistan. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1582. [PMID: 39132854 PMCID: PMC11317926 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the overall and breed-specific seasonal breeding patterns, fertility rates, cyclicity, and follicular dynamics of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of climatic data and breeding records of eleven breeding studs spanning four years (2020-2023) was made to find out the overall seasonality in the breeding pattern of mares. Fifty mares of each breed (n = 150 in total) were scanned by ultrasonography for a calendar year to find the cyclicity pattern and follicular dynamics (follicular growth rate, size of ovulatory follicle, and days from estrus till ovulation). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The statistical analysis of breeding records demonstrated a clear pattern of seasonal breeding (p< 0.05). The highest monthly foalings were noted in March (247 ± 45.37), and overall breeding activities peaked in Spring season (p< 0.05). Breed-specific results of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares revealed that Arab mares maintained stable breeding activity throughout the year, with the highest activity in spring and peak conception rate in winter (56.25% ± 32.78; p > 0.05). Thoroughbred mares experienced significant seasonal declines from spring to winter with a peak conception rate in winter (63.89% ± 27.37, p > 0.05). Percherons showed the most pronounced seasonal effects, especially with a high fall conception rate (73.04% ± 19.61) and a sharp decrease in winter breeding metrics (p< 0.05). Furthermore, Thoroughbred and Percheron mares displayed the most pronounced seasonal effects on the percentage of cyclic mares 77.3% and 56% in winters (p< 0.05). Moreover, the follicular dynamics of the three breeds also exhibited significant differences (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION The current study concludes that seasonal and breed-specific variability exists among the reproductive parameters of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares in subtropics, necessitating breed-specific reproductive management measures to maximize mare breeding efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mahmood
- Department of TheriogenologyUniversity of Veterinary and Animal SciencesLahorePunjabPakistan
| | - Mubbashar Hassan
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub‐Campus UVAS, Lahore)LahorePunjabPakistan
| | - Aijaz Ali Channa
- Department of TheriogenologyUniversity of Veterinary and Animal SciencesLahorePunjabPakistan
| | - Aamir Ghafoor
- University Diagnostic Lab (UDL) at Institute of MicrobiologyUniversity of Veterinary and Animal SciencesLahorePunjabPakistan
| | - Amjad Riaz
- Department of TheriogenologyUniversity of Veterinary and Animal SciencesLahorePunjabPakistan
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Mahmood K, Ali Channa A, Ghafoor A, Riaz A. Factors affecting the efficiency of equine embryo transfer (EET) in polo mares under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298066. [PMID: 38346056 PMCID: PMC10861068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine embryo transfer (EET) is a prominent technology in the equine breeding industry, and its efficacy is affected by a number of factors. The current study aimed to determine the effects of the breed of donor/recipient mares, estrus/ovulation induction treatment, cooled transportation of embryos, and synchrony between donor and recipient mares on the efficiency of the EET under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. A total of eighty-four (n = 84) Polo-playing donor mares (Argentino-polo = 41 and Anglo-Arab = 43) and seventy (n = 70) recipient mares (light breed = 26 and heavy breed = 44) were used for EET. The donor mares exhibiting natural estrus (n = 28) were detected by teaser a stallion, and corpus luteum (CL) having mares (n = 56) were treated with prostaglandin (150 μg of Cloprostenol) for estrus induction. The mares' follicular growth was monitored through ultrasonography until the dominant follicle's size reached 35 mm or more with a moderate to obvious uterine edema score. Afterward, the mares were treated either with GnRH, i.e., 50 μg of Lecirelin acetate (n = 41) or Ovusyn, i.e., 1500 IU hCG (n = 43). Insemination with chilled semen was performed 24 hours later. The embryos were collected non-surgically, 7 or 8 days after ovulation, from the donor mares. The collected embryos were transferred into the well-synchronized recipient mares as fresh (n = 44) or chilled (n = 26) embryos. The pregnancy after ET was checked through ultrasonography. Statistical analysis revealed that the embryo recovery rate (ERR) remained significantly higher (P<0.05) for the Prostaglandin (PG) treated group of donors as compared to the natural heat group of donors. The breed of donor mares, type of ovulatory treatment given, and day of embryo collection did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the ERR. There was no significant effect of the type (fresh vs chilled), classification, and stage of development of embryo on pregnancy outcomes (P>0.05). ET pregnancy rate was significantly affected by the breed of recipient mares and ovulation synchrony between donor and recipient mares (P<0.05). In conclusion, under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan, PG-based estrus induction of donor mares, breed of recipient mares, and ovulation synchrony between the donor and recipient mares had a substantial effect on the efficiency of EET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mahmood
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aijaz Ali Channa
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Ghafoor
- University Diagnostic Lab (UDL) at Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Riaz
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Fanhani GG, Cavalieri FLB, Andreazzi MA, da Silva CI, Andreazzi KC, Pereira LDC, Emanuelli IP, Dos Santos JMG, Moreski DAB, Colombo AHB, Morotti F, Seneda MM. Progesterone Device Use Improves Ovum Pick-Up Efficiency in Acyclic Donors. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 131:104933. [PMID: 37776919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate follicular dynamics and ovum pick-up (OPU) efficacy in untreated mares or mares treated with an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device during seasonal anestrus (acyclic) and during the breeding season (cyclic). Six mares (mean age = 5 years), were recruited into an ovum pick-up scheme that was performed every 14 days with and without the P4 device, during the acyclic and cyclic phases. Aspirations amounted to seven procedures with or without the P4 device during each phase. Five ultrasound assessments were performed at each interval between the OPUs. Data on follicular number and diameter as well as the numbers of recovered and the percentage of recovered oocytes were also collected. The number of follicles from mares in the acyclic phase was higher (P < .005) regardless of the treatment. However, the follicular diameter was smaller for the P4 group (P < .005) from the 2nd to the 5th evaluation post-OPU procedure. The percentage of oocytes recovered during the acyclic phase was higher for mares treated with the P4 device (P < .005). The P4 device resulted in follicles with smaller diameters and facilitated OPU efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Genta Fanhani
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Luiz Bim Cavalieri
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Márcia Aparecida Andreazzi
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Caroline Isabela da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência de Alimentos, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Kelly Cristina Andreazzi
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Letícia da Costa Pereira
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Isabele Picada Emanuelli
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - José Maurício Gonçalves Dos Santos
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Danieli Aparecida Bobbo Moreski
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Antonio Hugo Bezerra Colombo
- Campus Maringá, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Limpas e Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), Maringá, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Marcondes Seneda
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Parana, Brazil.
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Serological and Uterine Biomarkers for Detecting Endometritis in Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020253. [PMID: 36670793 PMCID: PMC9854937 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological analysis may provide relevant information on endometritis diagnostics. Therefore, mares scheduled for AI with refrigerated semen, at the time of heat signs, underwent blood and uterine fluid samplings using a swab, uterine lavage for culture analysis, and treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. After 24-28 h, the mares were inseminated and, if positive at the culture test, treated with antibiotics chosen based on the susceptibility test. Uterine cells obtained by swabs were used for cytological examination with both classical and fluorescence techniques. Blood serum and uterine fluid samples were analyzed for assessing parameters related to redox balance, inflammation, and protease regulator potential. In blood serum, total antioxidant capacity, measured as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), was significantly lower in cytologically endometritis-positive than -negative mares. In the uterine fluid, total thiol levels (TTL), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), protease activity and total protein content varied significantly between groups. Although the cytological examination was more capable of discriminating between endometritis-positive and -negative mares in relation to the parameters examined, no statistically significant differences emerged in terms of pregnancy rate in relation to cytological and culture diagnosis as well as in mares diagnosed as positive and negative for endometritis.
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Vercellini R, Blanco PG, Arizmendi A, Diez M, Rodríguez R, Gobello C. Ovarian and uterine two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic changes in the feline peri-estrus period. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1053-1059. [PMID: 34915765 PMCID: PMC10812312 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211067016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic changes of the ovary and uterus during estrus and the early post-estrus period in domestic cats. METHODS Two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic evaluations of the ovaries and uterus were performed in seven queens on days 1, 3 and 5 of estrus, and 5 days after estrus (AE5). RESULTS On day 1, 5.4 ± 0.5 follicles of 2.1 ± 0.1 mm were detected progressively increasing in number and size up to day 5 and then decreased on AE5 (P <0.05). A maximum follicular diameter of 4.1 ± 0.1 mm was achieved on day 5. Both during and after estrus, the uterus was generally hypoechoic compared with the surrounding tissues and delineated by a thin hyperechoic line corresponding to the serosa. In some animals, the uterine layers were distinguished during and after estrus. The blood flow waveforms of the intraovarian and uterine arteries were characterized by a systolic peak and diastolic flow extending throughout the remainder of the cardiac cycle to the next systole. In the uterine artery waveforms, the early diastolic notch was mild or absent during most estrous observations. The resistance index of the intraovarian arteries decreased up to day 5, and then increased on AE5 (P <0.05). The resistance index of the uterine arteries was lower during estrus than in the post-estrus period (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE It is concluded that in the domestic cat, follicular number and diameter as well as ovarian and uterine blood flow changed during and immediately after estrus. Doppler ultrasound proved suitable to evaluate the hemodynamic changes involved in the cyclic remodeling of ovarian and uterine tissues that occurs during and after follicular growth in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vercellini
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CEFIRE & MECODIAG), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (NULP), Argentina
- CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Paula G Blanco
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CEFIRE & MECODIAG), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (NULP), Argentina
- CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Analía Arizmendi
- Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (NULP), Argentina
- CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marisa Diez
- Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (NULP), Argentina
| | - Raúl Rodríguez
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CEFIRE & MECODIAG), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (NULP), Argentina
- Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (NULP), Argentina
| | - Cristina Gobello
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CEFIRE & MECODIAG), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (NULP), Argentina
- CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
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Donatsch L, Friker B, Sieme H, Kaeser R, Burger D. No increase in pregnancy rate of mares after preovulatory deep uterine horn application of misoprostol. Theriogenology 2022; 184:132-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Human-controlled reproductive experience may contribute to incestuous behavior observed in reintroduced semi-feral stallions (Equus caballus). Theriogenology 2022; 180:82-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Morrell JM, Rocha A. A Novel Approach to Minimising Acute Equine Endometritis That May Help to Prevent the Development of the Chronic State. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:799619. [PMID: 35071389 PMCID: PMC8770823 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.799619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most commonly encountered challenges in equine breeding is endometritis, which can be difficult to resolve and causes considerable economic losses to the industry. It is a multifactorial condition, developing as an exaggerated form of the normal physiological response to breeding. Seminal plasma proteins, spermatozoa, bacteria and debris initiate an inflammatory response; the resulting fluid and neutrophils are then cleared from the uterus along with the debris. However, in some mares, the response is prolonged or exaggerated, with much fluid formation and neutrophil infiltration leading to acute endometritis. A bacterial cause has been implicated, although in some cases no pathogenic organisms can be isolated on culture. It has been postulated that any one of a variety of bacteria could be involved, or dysbiosis of the uterine microbiome could be responsible. Repeated episodes of acute endometritis may lead to the pathology associated with chronic endometritis, with mucociliary dysfunction, vascular degeneration and plasma cell infiltration. This review examines the information that is currently available about equine endometritis, particularly about the role of the inseminate in the uterus, and its current treatment. There are some promising lines of research into treatment or prevention that may help to resolve the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Rocha
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wilsher S. Love thy neighbour – unless they are sharing your uterus. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Stout TAE. WR 'Twink' Allen: A career revolutionising the study and practice of equine reproduction. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:5-10. [PMID: 34877708 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Stout TAE, Griffiths H. Clinical insights: Assisted reproductive techniques: More than a solution to subfertility? Equine Vet J 2021; 53:1084-1087. [PMID: 34611932 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Benammar A, Derisoud E, Vialard F, Palmer E, Ayoubi JM, Poulain M, Chavatte-Palmer P. The Mare: A Pertinent Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2304. [PMID: 34438761 PMCID: PMC8388489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf Benammar
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d’Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Preservation of viable Taylorella equigenitalis in different commercially available transport systems. Vet J 2021; 270:105629. [PMID: 33641806 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cultural diagnosis of the causal agent of contagious equine metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis) using transport swabs is challenging. Swabs must be placed in Amies charcoal medium, refrigerated during transport, and plated out at the laboratory no later than 48 h after sampling. In this study, the viability of T. equigenitalis strain CIP 79.7T in 11 commercial swab transport systems was initially compared at 1 day and 2 days of storage at ambient (20 ± 3 °C) or refrigerated (5 ± 3 °C) temperature. The four best swab transport systems, systems B, E, F (used as the reference) and K, were then compared at 0, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10 days at refrigerated temperatures. Statistically significant differences were observed after 10 days only for system K compared to the reference, with approximately 95% viable T. equigenitalis recovered in system K compared to approximately 77% in system F. System K is thus promising for preservation and transport of viable T. equigenitalis for culture.
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A genome-wide scan for candidate lethal variants in Thoroughbred horses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13153. [PMID: 32753654 PMCID: PMC7403398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic animal populations are often characterised by high rates of inbreeding and low effective population sizes due to selective breeding practices. These practices can result in otherwise rare recessive deleterious alleles drifting to high frequencies, resulting in reduced fertility rates. This study aimed to identify potential recessive lethal haplotypes in the Thoroughbred horse breed, a closed population that has been selectively bred for racing performance. In this study, we identified a haplotype in the LY49B gene that shows strong evidence of being homozygous lethal, despite having high frequencies of heterozygotes in Thoroughbreds and other domestic horse breeds. Variant analysis of whole-genome sequence data identified two SNPs in the 3'UTR of the LY49B gene that may result in loss of function. Analysis of transcriptomic data from equine embryonic tissue revealed that LY49B is expressed in the trophoblast during placentation stage of development. These findings suggest that LY49B may have an essential, but as yet unknown function in the implantation stage of equine development. Further investigation of this region may allow for the development of a genetic test to improve fertility rates in horse populations. Identification of other lethal variants could assist in improving natural levels of fertility in horse populations.
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Todd ET, Hamilton NA, Velie BD, Thomson PC. The effects of inbreeding on covering success, gestation length and foal sex ratio in Australian thoroughbred horses. BMC Genet 2020; 21:41. [PMID: 32268877 PMCID: PMC7140579 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00847-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Horses produce only one foal from an eleven-month gestation period, making the maintenance of high reproductive rates essential. Genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding can increase the frequency of deleterious variants, resulting in reduced reproductive levels in a population. In this study we examined the influence of inbreeding levels on foaling rate, gestation length and secondary sex ratio in Australian Thoroughbred mares. We also investigated the genetic change in these traits throughout the history of the breed. Phenotypic data were obtained from 27,262 breeding records of Thoroughbred mares provided by three Australian stud farms. Inbreeding was estimated using the pedigree of each individual dating back to the foundation of the breed in the eighteenth century. Results While both gestation length and foaling rate were heritable, no measurable effect of inbreeding on either trait was found. However, we did find that the genetic value for both traits had decreased within recent generations. A number of environmental factors also had significant effects on foaling rate and gestation length. Secondary sex ratio had only an extremely small paternal heritable effect and was not susceptible to environmental influences. Conclusions In contrast to racing performance, inbreeding had no measurable effect on foaling rate or gestation length in Australian Thoroughbred horses. This could be because the level of inbreeding in the population examined is not high enough to show a discernible effect on reproductive traits. Populations that experience higher levels of inbreeding due to use of artificial reproductive technologies or extremely small population sizes may show a more pronounced reduction in natural foaling rate or gestation length. It is also possible that the intensive management techniques used in the Thoroughbred population masks any negative effects of inbreeding. The decrease in the genetic value of foaling rate is likely to be because horses with unfavourable genetic potential have not yet been selected out of the population. The change in genetic value of gestation length may be due to selective breeding favouring horses with shorter pregnancies. We also found that prioritising the mating of older mares, and avoiding out of season mating could lead to an increased breeding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn T Todd
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Natasha A Hamilton
- Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Brandon D Velie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Peter C Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Rocha CE, de Carvalho EDC, de Castro FCGS, Xavier ILGDS, Young RJ, Palhares MS, da Silva Filho JM, Carvalho RR, Vasconcellos ADS, Valle GR. Is mare sexual behavior affected by age and can it predict ovulation? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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17
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Overview of spatio-temporal distribution inferred by multi-locus sequence typing of Taylorella equigenitalis isolated worldwide from 1977 to 2018 in equidae. Vet Microbiol 2020; 242:108597. [PMID: 32122601 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The accurate identification of Taylorella equigenitalis strains is essential to improve worldwide prevention and control strategies for contagious equine metritis (CEM). This study compared 367 worldwide equine strains using multilocus sequence typing according to the geographical origin, isolation year and equine breed. The strains were divided into 49 sequence types (STs), including 10 described for the first time. Three major and three minor clonal complexes (CCs), and 11 singletons, were identified. The genetic heterogeneity was low (0.13 STs/strain) despite the wide diversity of geographical origins (n = 16), isolation years (1977-2018) and equine breeds (n = 18). It was highest outside Europe and in the 1977-1997 period; current major STs and CCs already existed before 1998. Previous data associated the major CC1 with the first CEM outbreaks in 1977-1978 in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, and revealed its circulation in France. Our study confirms its circulation in France over a longer period of time (1992-2018) and its distribution in Spain and Germany but not throughout Europe. In addition to CC1, relationships between non-European and European countries were observed only through ST4, ST17 and ST30. Within Europe, several STs emerged with cross-border circulation, in particular ST16 and ST46 from the major complexes CC2 and CC8. These results constitute a baseline for monitoring the spread of CEM outbreaks. A retrospective analysis of a higher number of strains isolated worldwide between 1977 and the early 2000s would be helpful to obtain an exhaustive picture of the original CEM situation.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- T. A. E. Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht the Netherlands
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19
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Delerue M, Breuil MF, Duquesne F, Bayon-Auboyer MH, Amenna-Bernard N, Petry S. Acute Endometritis due to Taylorella equigenitalis Transmission by Insemination of Cryopreserved Stallion Semen. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 78:10-13. [PMID: 31203971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Taylorella equigenitalis can be transmitted during artificial insemination. This report describes clinical T. equigenitalis transmission by cryopreserved stallion semen. T. equigenitalis isolates from a mare's vaginal discharge and semen from the same batch of the cryopreserved semen used for the insemination gave identical API ZYM, antibiotic susceptibility, and multilocus sequence typing results (ST-46); furthermore, the multilocus sequence typing lineage ST-46 is known to circulate in the country of semen collection. These results support the need for strict contagious equine metritis screening of processed semen before use for artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Delerue
- IFCE, La jumenterie du Pin, Exmes, Gouffern-en-Auge, France
| | - Marie-France Breuil
- ANSES, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, Bacteriology Unit, Dozulé, France
| | - Fabien Duquesne
- ANSES, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, Bacteriology Unit, Dozulé, France
| | | | | | - Sandrine Petry
- ANSES, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, Bacteriology Unit, Dozulé, France.
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20
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Petry S, Py JS, Wilhelm A, Duquesne F, Bäyon-Auboyer MH, Morvan H, Gassilloud B. Evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS and an expanded custom reference spectra database for the identification and differentiation of Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella asinigenitalis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 94:326-330. [PMID: 30928178 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Misidentification between Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM), and Taylorella asinigenitalis is observed by the gold standard culture method. The performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for Taylorella species identification was evaluated using 85 T. equigenitalis and 28 T. asinigenitalis strains selected on the basis of multilocus sequence typing data. Seven of the T. equigenitalis and 9 of the T. asinigenitalis strains were used to generate in-house reference spectra to expand the existing commercial Bruker database. Two bacterial incubation times and 3 different sample preparation procedures were compared. Overall, we demonstrated the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS as a differential diagnostic tool for CEM; however, commercial spectra databases should be expanded with T. asinigenitalis reference spectra to achieve the expected performance. Moreover, direct spotting of 48-h colonies was not only the most efficient protocol but also the easiest to implement in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Petry
- ANSES, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, Bacteriology unit, Dozulé, France.
| | - Jean-Sébastien Py
- ANSES, Nancy laboratory for hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, MALDI-TOF platform, Nancy, France
| | - Amandine Wilhelm
- ANSES, Nancy laboratory for hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, MALDI-TOF platform, Nancy, France
| | - Fabien Duquesne
- ANSES, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, Bacteriology unit, Dozulé, France
| | | | - Hervé Morvan
- LABOCEA, Service Bactériologie Vétérinaire, Ploufragan, France
| | - Benoît Gassilloud
- ANSES, Nancy laboratory for hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, MALDI-TOF platform, Nancy, France
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21
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Maziero RRD, Guaitolini CRDF, Guasti PN, Monteiro GA, Martin I, Silva JPMD, Crespilho AM, Papa FO. Effect of Using Two Cryopreservation Methods on Viability and Fertility of Frozen Stallion Sperm. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 72:37-40. [PMID: 30929781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies involving different methods and techniques of cryopreservation and its interactions with the conception rates in artificial insemination (AI) programs are reported in the literature. This study evaluated the sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity, and fertility rates of mares inseminated with cryopreserved stallion semen subjected to different freezing methods. For this, four ejaculates from five stallions were collected and frozen in conventional (Styrofoam box) or automated system in Mini-Digitcool ZH 400. Seminal samples were evaluated after thawing for sperm motion parameters by CASA and plasma membrane integrity by epifluorescence microscopy. For the fertility trial, a cross-over model was performed using 100 cycles of 50 mares, which were inseminated by one the two freezing methods. No differences were observed for sperm motion parameters and plasma membrane integrity between groups (P > .05). The pregnancy rate using the conventional method was 56% (28/50) and did not differ (P = .5406) from the pregnancy rate (64%, 32/50) obtained using the automatized method. The use of semen from fertile stallions may not illustrate small differences in the two freezing methods evaluated. Conventional and automated freezing systems did not differ in the quality and viability of fertile stallion semen and conception rates, indicating that the two methodologies can be safely used in AI programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Renato de Freitas Guaitolini
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Nascimento Guasti
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Augusto Monteiro
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Minas Gerais Federal University, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ian Martin
- Department of Animal Science, Uberaba University, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Frederico Ozanam Papa
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Jeffcott L. Fifty years of Equine Veterinary Journal. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:421-422. [PMID: 29878513 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Jeffcott
- Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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